The other notable line from the morning was Zach Aston-Reese getting reps with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. Reese is a much different player than Simon or Daniel Sprong who both possess higher end skills.

Aston-Reese’s game is built more on being strong on the wall and getting to the net-front area. Malkin has had success with those type of players in the past as they can open ice for him down low. Aston-Reese’s puck skills are likely good enough to play at the NHL level but the major question mark is the skating ability. He has a slow first couple steps and reaction time with the puck needs to improve, scouts contend.

As the Penguins have a major hole down the middle in their bottom-6, the coaches may look to off-set that by spreading out the wingers where maybe you have a third line build around Conor Sheary
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